Education Officer

Position: Education Officer

Location: Las Anod, with travel to other project sites in Sool

Duration: 12 months, renewable based on performance, funds, and need for the position

Closing date: 3rd Dec 2024

Organization: Alight

About Alight:

Alight is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to guiding displaced individuals through the journey from vulnerability to resilience, impoverishment to well-being, and exclusion to inclusion. Committed to co-designing solutions with a focus on radical accountability, Alight is a global force in building meaningful lives for and with displaced communities, implementing high-quality programs and services – all while developing trusting local partnerships that build resilience and shifts power back into the hands of local communities, where it belongs.

Role Overview: 

The Education Program officer – Education under the guidance of the education project manager is responsible for the planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting of education programs ( including primary, secondary, Non Formal and teacher training) in line with and agreed plan of action and budget ,donor, Alight and government policies, requirements and procedures. The program officer will provide technical support to partners at region, district and school level including teachers focusing on effective planning, reporting, school management and leadership, EMIS and child centred teaching learning methodologies among others. He/she will ensure efficient utilization of program resources for the intended purpose through effective planning and monitoring. He or she will ensure the use of appropriate, cost effective and innovative approaches especially in improving quality, equity, inclusiveness and performance of students especially those disadvantaged groups. He or she will ensure synergy through collaboration and networking with other actors at region and district level. The program officer will ensure partnership with relevant partners including REOs and DEOs, CBOs, CECs, teachers and children. The program officer shall ensure linkage among education program and other thematic areas at field level. He or she will play key role in representing Alight in relevant networks and forums and engage in advocacy and dialogue with relevant education duty bearers and stakeholders at region and district level

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1.Programme Development 

·       Under the guidance of the education project managers involves in and contributes to the development of new project proposals, concept notes and assessments for data collection

·       Explore , document and  disseminate  new ideas, lessons and experiences from the day to day program management that will improve the planning and management of education program

·       Involve in  the process of baseline assessments and establishment of program base line, for effective planning, monitoring and reporting purposes

·       Ensure linkage, collaboration and partnership among  sub sectors and thematic areas and other education actors at all levels

·       Play proactive role in addressing key educational challenges such as poor capacity of teachers, girls enrolment and participation, education of disadvantaged children ( pastoralist children, CWDs) through innovative, cost effective  and appropriate means

·       Ensure that he or she has adequate knowledge and understanding on key government education policies and strategies, ALIGHT Global Education strategy, international standards such as EiE minimum standards, SDG goals, and other working documents 

2. Accountabilities

·       Prepare detailed action plans and for all education subsectors of education (primary, secondary, non-formal and teacher training) implemented in Somali peninsula upon approval by the project manager

·       Ensure that education program is implemented in accordance with the work plans and the involvement of partners and concerned stakeholders at all levels

·       Ensure that ALIGHT implements program activities in a most efficient, effective and sustainable manner

·       Involves in capacity building activities at regional and local level for education authorities, regional/district supervisors, CEC members, head teachers and teachers based on the capacity building plans and strategies

·       Work closely and in harmony with colleagues in developing clear plans, workable monitoring system, baseline data and reporting systems

·       Play proactive role in joint program planning, review, monitoring and evaluation activities.

·       Under the guidance of education project managers he or she ensures that education program and components have robust monitoring plans, baselines, reviews and evaluations in line with program designs and donor guidelines

·       Organize, Participate and play proactive role in periodic program monitoring and implementation of actions, and recommendations and sharing reports, lessons and best practices among education team and education authorities

·       Ensure active involvement and participation of beneficiaries and relevant stakeholders including children in the process of program monitoring

·       Ensure the participation of children/target groups in M&E based on CRP principles and approaches

·       Participate and contribute to the preparation of annual and quarterly budget plans, forecasts and implement after approval

·       Contribute to the development and timely submission of quality monthly, quarterly and interim reports in accordance with ALIGHT and donor formats and schedules

·       Ensure that monitoring reports are prepared and submitted on time to the projects’ manager

3. Representation and Advocacy

·       Represent education team in relevant regional forums such as NFE, teacher training and other working groups and other meetings as appropriate 

·       Work closely with other relevant field teams to develop and implement advocacy plans in education in line with the Country Strategic Plan and global strategy of Alight

·       Play proactive role in national and global campaigns to advocate for increased education financing and children’s education in collaboration and networking with other actors in Somali peninsula

·       Ensure linkage, synergy and harmonization of approaches and strategies within the education program

4. Teamwork and Self Development

·       With the guidance of respective project managers, the program officer understands and is able to adapt his/her roles and responsibilities in both emergency and development contexts

·       Under the guidance of  the project  managers explores opportunities for self-professional development

·       Ensure and contribute for effective and supportive team work  and culture among team members

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

This position demands a dynamic individual with a demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast paced environment.

• Significant (at least 3 years) experience working with an INGO in increasing positions of reporting and responsibility.
• Experience (minimum 4 years) developing and implementing complex education activities.
• A bachelor’s degree in education or related field
• Fluency in Somali and English
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills.
• Logistical planning and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with data collection and analysis.
• Experience living and working in dynamic, insecure environments and with local communities.
• Ability to live and function at a high capacity within a collaborative organizational structure.
• Ability to live and work from within a remote post.
• Understanding of the political and cultural context Somali Peninsula
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated statistical survey, analysis, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated budget and expense management skills.

Desirable:

·       Experience in school or education infrastructure development.

·       Familiarity with GIS mapping and construction regulations in [specific region].

·       Demonstrated ability to work in remote and challenging environments.

Key Competencies and Skills:

·       Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

·       Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, including contractors and community members.

·       Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

·       High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Special Responsibilities:

·       Frequent travel to remote project sites for extended periods.

·       Support the Construction Engineer and the field manager in additional tasks or projects as assigned.

Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. 

How to Apply: 

Submit a one-page motivation letter and a current, updated CV (2-4 pages) with three references to [email protected]  before the closing date. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

For more information about our work and impact: https://wearealight.org